U.S. patent application number 15/030207 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for device for locking a folding element in position for a vehicle seat.
The applicant listed for this patent is EXPLISEAT. Invention is credited to Gilles Duval, Alexandre Mangeote, Benjamin Saada, Jean-Charles Samuelian, Vincent Tejedor.
Application Number | 20160250958 15/030207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49998445 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160250958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saada; Benjamin ; et
al. |
September 1, 2016 |
DEVICE FOR LOCKING A FOLDING ELEMENT IN POSITION FOR A VEHICLE
SEAT
Abstract
A device for locking a folding element in position for a vehicle
seat including: a fixed element, designed to be fixed to the
vehicle seat, a rotating element, designed to be fixed to the
folding element, installed free to rotate relative to the fixed
element about a rotation axis (X), the rotating element comprising
at least a first locking structure, and a locking element,
installed on the fixed element and that can be moved between a
locking position in which it locks the rotating element in rotation
relative to the fixed element by at least partial engagement of the
locking element in the at least one first locking structure of the
rotating element, and a release position in which it allows free
rotation of the rotating element from the fixed element by release
of the locking element in the at least one first locking structure
of the rotating element.
Inventors: |
Saada; Benjamin; (Paris,
FR) ; Samuelian; Jean-Charles; (Paris, FR) ;
Tejedor; Vincent; (Issy les Moulineaux, FR) ;
Mangeote; Alexandre; (Merignac, FR) ; Duval;
Gilles; (Levallois Perret, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EXPLISEAT |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
49998445 |
Appl. No.: |
15/030207 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/072504 |
371 Date: |
April 18, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 50/40 20130101;
B60N 3/004 20130101; B64D 11/0638 20141201; Y02T 50/46 20130101;
B60N 2/64 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 3/00 20060101
B60N003/00; B60N 2/64 20060101 B60N002/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 2013 |
FR |
1360293 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. Device (1) for locking a folding element (2) in position for a
vehicle seat (3), characterised in that it comprises: a fixed
element (7), designed to be fixed to said vehicle seat (3), a
rotating element (4), designed to be fixed to said folding element
(2), installed free to rotate relative to said fixed element (7)
about a rotation axis (X), said rotating element (4) comprising at
least a first locking structure (5), a locking element (6),
installed on said fixed element (7) and that can be moved between a
locking position in which it locks said rotating element (4) in
rotation from said fixed element (7) by at least partial engagement
of said locking element (6) in said at least one first locking
structure (5) of said rotating element (4), and a release position
in which it allows free rotation of said rotating element (4) from
said fixed element (7) by release of said locking element (6) in
said at least one first locking structure (5) of said rotating
element (4).
15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the first
locking structure (5) of the rotating element (4) is a first
opening (5) and/or a locking latch (5).
16. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the
rotating element (4) is an approximately cylindrical element
comprising at least a first locking structure (5) on its lateral
surface.
17. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the fixed
element (7) comprises at least a second locking structure (8),
particularly a second opening (8), through which the locking
element (6) can engage.
18. Device according to claim 17, characterised in that the
rotating element (4) is at least partially inserted in the fixed
element (7), or vice versa, the first locking structure (5) and the
second locking structure (8) being capable of facing each other to
enable the locking element (6) to engage through first (5) and
second (8) locking structures
19. Device according to claim 17, characterised in that the fixed
element (7) is an approximately cylindrical element.
20. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that it
comprises auto-engagement means (9a, 9b), particularly an elastic
return device system (9a) and/or a magnetised system (9b), of the
locking element (6) in at least the first locking structure (5) of
the rotating element (4), when the locking element (6) is facing
the first locking structure (5) during rotation of the rotating
element (4) about the rotation axis (X).
21. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking
element (6) is shaped approximately like the arc of a circle, when
observed in section in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis
(X).
22. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking
element (6) is installed free to rotate about a rotation axis (6B)
offset from the rotation axis of the locking element (6) and from
the rotation axis (X) of the rotating element (4) so that it can be
engaged in the first locking structure (5).
23. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the
rotation axis (X) of the rotating element (4) is a controlled
torque rotation axis, particularly including a torsion spring
(15).
24. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking
element (6) comprises an element forming a notch (6A) facing the
rotating element (4), when the folding element is in the position
in which rotation is locked, the rotating element (4) penetrating
into the element forming the notch (6A).
25. Passenger vehicle seat (3), comprising: a seat back (10) with a
front face (10a) towards the passenger and a back face (10b)
opposite the front face (10a), and a folding element (2),
particularly a tray, towards the back face (10b) of the seat back
(10), installed free to pivot relative to the seat back (10) about
a rotation axis (X), so that the folding element (2) can be put
into at least two predetermined angular positions, including a
raised position in which the folding element (2) is not used,
characterised in that it comprises a device (1) for locking the
folding element (2) in position according to claim 14, to lock the
folding element (2) at least in the raised position.
26. Vehicle comprising a seat (3) according to claim 25.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention applies to the field of passenger transport
including public transport particularly by road, rail or air. It is
more particularly applicable to the field of passenger seats, and
particularly the field of folding elements installed on such
seats.
[0002] The invention is thus related to a device for locking a
folding element in position for a vehicle seat, a passenger vehicle
seat comprising such a locking device, and a vehicle comprising
such a seat.
STATE OF PRIOR ART
[0003] In the field of passenger transport, seats in transport
vehicles are more and more frequently fitted with folding elements,
and particularly trays that passengers can fold down or fold up
depending on their needs. In particular, passengers can use such
trays to eat, to work or for entertainment. They are useful as
supports on which passengers can place all types of objects that
they might use during their travel.
[0004] Safety standards for the design of folding elements
installed on passenger seats, particularly in the case of trays,
usually require a device to lock trays in the raised position. For
the purposes of this description, the--raised position--refers to a
position in which the folding element is not used, particularly
when the folding element is in contact with the back face of the
passenger seat back. Locking of trays in the raised position is
also very desirable to assure the comfort and safety of passengers
during their travel.
[0005] It is known that this can be achieved using mechanisms for
locking the tray in the raised position, in contact with the back
face of the passenger seat back.
[0006] For example, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first example of a
locking device 1' using a movable latch 2'.
[0007] In FIG. 1A, the tray 3', mounted free to rotate about a
rotation axis X' fixed to the seat, is in a raised position P1',
and more precisely a vertical position P1', in contact with the
back face of the seat back. The mechanism 1' for locking the tray
3' in the raised position P1' is provided by the existence of a
latch 2', usually located near the top of the tray 3', that is
connected to a fixed part of the seat. The installation of the
latch 2' in contact with the external face of the tray 3', oriented
along the direction away from the seat, locks the movement of the
tray 3' towards any other position than the vertical position P1',
and particularly towards the horizontal usage position.
[0008] In FIG. 1B, the passenger has moved the latch 2' upwards,
along the direction of the arrow F', to release the tray 3'. In
this case, the locking device 1' no longer holds the tray 3' in the
raised position P1', and enables movement of the tray 3' towards
another position P2' of the tray, by rotation about the rotation
axis X'.
[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B also show a second example of a locking
device 1' using a rail system 4'.
[0010] In FIG. 2A, the tray 3' is in a raised position P1' in
contact with the back face of the seat back, that actually
corresponds to a position in which the passenger has lowered the
tray 3' in contact with the back face of the seat back. In this
position, the tray 3' is mounted on a rail system 4' free to slide
and it has been entirely inserted on the rail system 4' so that it
can be stowed. The arrow F' represents the movement that the
passenger applies to the tray 3' so that it can be moved into the
usage position P3', in other words a vertical movement to raise the
tray 3', and then a rotation movement about the rotation axis X' to
lower the tray 3'.
[0011] In FIG. 2B, the tray 3' has been pulled out from the rail
system 4' and rotated about the rotation axis X' to move
successively from the position in which it is not used P1', to an
intermediate position P2', and then to the horizontal usage
position P3'.
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B also show a third example of a locking
device 1' using a spring system 5'.
[0013] In FIG. 3A, the tray 3' is in a raised position P1', in
contact with the back face of the passenger seat. A spring 5' to
which a rigid locking element 6' is fixed at one of its ends, is
fixed to the tray 3' at its other end. The tray 3' is locked in the
vertical position P1' by insertion of the rigid locking element 6'
in a notch of an insertion element 7' provided at the rotation axis
X' of the tray 3'. In this raised position P1' of the tray 3', the
spring 5' is relaxed in the notch of the insertion element 7'.
[0014] In FIG. 3B, the passenger has applied a force on the tray 3'
along the direction of the arrow F' to move the tray 3' towards its
horizontal usage position P2'. To achieve this, rotation of the
tray 3' about the rotation axis X' released the rigid locking
element 6' in the notch of the insertion element 7' and compression
of the spring 5'.
[0015] Furthermore, patent application FR 2 831 496 A1 discloses a
hinged tray for a vehicle seat. The latch 34 that locks the tray in
rotation is installed free to slide in it.
[0016] Patent application EP 1 431 112 A1 discloses a retractable
table system. A locking part is installed fixed on the rotating
tray and it has openings inside which cams penetrate.
[0017] These systems are somewhat complex and there are many parts
in them.
[0018] Furthermore, patent application EP 2 646 318 A1 discloses a
folding tray solution combining a rail solution with a horizontal
movement of the tray in the extended position, so that the distance
of the tray considered from the seat back can be adjusted.
[0019] Patent application US 2007/0145791 A1 adds a solution to
this horizontal adjustment to connect two horizontal tray elements
and to provide horizontal locking between two separate elements
that may be stowed separately in the folded position.
[0020] Finally, patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,590 B1 discloses a
solution for a tray that can be folded into a console, that
combines a pivot and rotation to extend the tray. The tray is
locked inside the console by preventing rotation, in a manner
similar to the solution shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0021] Nevertheless, known solutions according to prior art are not
fully satisfactory, particularly in terms of reliability,
dimensions, safety, weight and the number of elements in mechanisms
for locking folding elements. More particularly, the first example
locking mechanism making use of a movable latch and the second
example locking mechanism making use of a rail system usually
require attachment systems on the structure supporting the tray,
that are complex in design and heavy. Furthermore, the third
example locking mechanism making use of a spring system does not
generally guarantee passenger safety, in particular safety of the
passenger sitting on the seat facing the tray. The force necessary
to release the tray and to bring it into the usage position is
usually fairly low, such that the tray can disengage from the
vertical position by itself and strike the passenger, for example
during a crash.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Thus, the purpose of the invention is at least to partially
satisfy the needs mentioned above and the disadvantages of
embodiments according to prior art.
[0023] The invention aims particularly at disclosing a mechanism
for locking a folding element of a passenger seat in position that
is reliable in terms of technical production and safety for the
passenger, and that is simple in design, compact and
lightweight.
[0024] Thus, the purpose of the invention according to one of its
aspects is a device for locking a folding element in position, and
particularly a tray, for a vehicle seat, characterised in that it
comprises: [0025] a fixed element that will be fixed to said
vehicle seat, [0026] a rotating element that will be fixed to said
folding element, installed free to rotate relative to said fixed
element about a rotation axis, said rotating element comprising at
least a first locking structure, [0027] a locking element,
installed on said fixed element and that can be moved between a
locking position in which it locks said rotating element in
rotation relative to said fixed element by at least partial
engagement of said locking element in said at least one first
locking structure of said rotating element, and a release position
in which it allows free rotation of said rotating element from said
fixed element by release of said locking element in said at least
one first locking structure of said rotating element.
[0028] With the invention, the number and weight of parts used for
locking the folding element in the non-usage position can be
significantly reduced. Furthermore, the invention can assure
passenger safety, particularly in the case of a crash, because it
is more reliable than solutions in prior art. The invention can
also reduce the global space occupied by the folding element on the
passenger seat. Ergonomics can thus be improved. The invention is
particularly advantageous for public transport, particularly by
road, rail or air.
[0029] The locking device according to the invention may also
comprise one or several of the following characteristics taken in
isolation or in any technically possible combination.
[0030] The first locking structure of the rotating element may be a
first opening and/or a locking latch.
[0031] The rotating element may be an approximately cylindrical
element comprising at least one first locking structure on its
lateral surface.
[0032] The fixed element may comprise at least one second locking
structure, particularly a second opening, through which the locking
element can engage.
[0033] The first locking structure of the rotating element and/or
the second locking structure of the fixed element may at least
partly extend along the rotation axis of the rotating element.
[0034] The rotating element may be at least partially inserted in
the fixed element, or vice versa. The first locking structure and
the second locking structure may face each other to enable the
locking element to engage through first and second locking
structures.
[0035] The fixed element may be an approximately cylindrical
element.
[0036] The device may comprise means of auto-engagement of the
locking element in at least the first locking structure of the
rotating element, and particularly an elastic return device system
and/or a magnetised system, when the locking element is facing the
first locking structure during rotation of the rotating element
about the rotation axis.
[0037] The locking element may be shaped approximately like the arc
of a circle, when observed in section in a plane perpendicular to
the rotation axis.
[0038] The locking element, particularly in the case described
above, may be installed free to rotate about a rotation axis offset
from the locking element and the rotation axis of the rotating
element so that it can be engaged in the first locking
structure.
[0039] The rotation axis of the rotating element may be a
controlled torque rotation axis, particularly including a torsion
spring.
[0040] Another purpose of the invention according to another of its
aspects is a passenger vehicle seat, comprising: [0041] a seat back
with a front face towards the passenger and a back face opposite
the front face, and [0042] a folding element, particularly a tray,
towards the back face of the seat back, installed free to pivot
relative to the seat back about a rotation axis, so that the
folding element can be put into at least two predetermined angular
positions, including a raised position in which the folding element
is not used; characterised in that it comprises a device for
locking the folding element as defined above in position, to lock
the folding element at least in the raised position.
[0043] The locking element may comprise an element forming a notch
facing the rotating element, when the folding element is in the
position in which rotation is locked, the rotating element
penetrating into the element forming the notch.
[0044] Another purpose of the invention according to another of its
aspects, is a vehicle comprising a seat as defined above.
[0045] <<Vehicle>>, means any means of transport or
displacement of at least one passenger, for example an aircraft, a
car, a train, a stroller, a cable car, a chairlift, a boat, a
gondola for funfair thrill rides, among others.
[0046] The seat and the vehicle according to the invention may
comprise any of the characteristics mentioned above, taken in
isolation or in any technically possible combination with other
characteristics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The invention will be better understood after reading the
detailed description given below of non-limitative examples of the
invention, and an examination of the diagrammatic and partial
figures in the appended drawing in which:
[0048] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first example of a mechanism
according to prior art for locking a vehicle seat tray in
position,
[0049] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second example of a mechanism
according to prior art for locking a vehicle seat tray in
position,
[0050] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a third example of a mechanism
according to prior art for locking a vehicle seat tray in
position,
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view of an example
embodiment of a locking device according to the invention,
[0052] FIGS. 5A to 5C show a sectional view of three steps in the
use of an example embodiment of a locking device according to the
invention,
[0053] FIG. 5D shows a variant embodiment of the locking device in
FIGS. 5A-5C,
[0054] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a sectional view of two steps in the
use of another example embodiment of a locking device according to
the invention,
[0055] FIG. 6C shows a variant embodiment of the device in FIGS. 6A
and 6B,
[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B show sectional views of two steps in the use
of yet another example embodiment of a locking device according to
the invention,
[0057] FIGS. 8A to 8C show sectional views of three steps in the
use of another example embodiment of a locking device according to
the invention, with the use of an elastic return device system;
[0058] FIGS. 9A to 9C show sectional views of three steps in the
use of another example embodiment of a locking device according to
the invention, with the use of a magnetised system;
[0059] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an example locking
device according to the invention, fixed to a folding element of a
passenger seat,
[0060] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an example seat for a
vehicle according to the invention,
[0061] FIGS. 12A to 12D show sectional views of four steps in the
use of yet another example embodiment of a locking device according
to the invention,
[0062] FIG. 13 shows a sectional view and a front view of another
example embodiment of a locking device according to the invention,
and
[0063] FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of a detail in FIG. 5D.
[0064] In all these figures, identical references may denote
identical or similar elements.
[0065] Furthermore, the different parts shown in the figures are
not necessarily all shown at the same scale, to make the figures
more easily understandable.
DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
[0066] FIGS. 1A to 3B have already been described in the part
describing the state of prior art.
[0067] Example embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6B.
[0068] FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view of a first example
embodiment of a locking device 1 in position according to the
invention. The folding element 2 and the locking element 6 are not
shown in this FIG. 1 to facilitate understanding of the
invention.
[0069] It should be noted that throughout this description, the
folding element 2 is preferably a tray 2 of a passenger seat 3,
although this is not in any way limitative.
[0070] According to the invention, the locking device 1 comprises
an element 4 free to rotate about a rotation axis X, that
corresponds to the rotation axis X of the tray 2, installed free to
pivot relative to the seat back 10.
[0071] This rotating element 4 is fixed permanently to the tray 2
such that it can rotate the tray 2 about the rotation axis X.
[0072] Advantageously, the rotating element 4 is in the form of a
cylinder, particularly a hollow cylinder, that comprises at least a
first locking structure in the form of a first opening 5 on its
lateral surface. The first opening 5 may correspond to an orifice
formed on the rotating element 4. The first opening 5 may or may
not open on the edge of the lateral surface of the rotating element
4.
[0073] As a variant, although not shown in FIG. 4, the rotating
element 4 may comprise a plurality of first openings 5 associated
with a plurality of locking elements 6 to lock the tray 2 in
position in several angular configurations.
[0074] Furthermore, the locking device 1 also comprises a fixed
element 7, positioned relative to the rotating element 4 such that
the rotating element is at least partially inserted inside the
fixed element 7. Thus, the rotating element 4 and the fixed element
7 are inserted one inside the other at the rotation axis X of the
tray 2.
[0075] Advantageously, the fixed element 7 is also in the form of a
cylinder, particularly a hollow cylinder, with a diameter larger
than the diameter of the rotating element 4.
[0076] This fixed element 7 also comprises at least one second
locking structure on its lateral surface in the form of a second
opening 8 through which the locking element 6 can engage.
[0077] As for the rotating element 4 and as a variant not shown,
the fixed element 7 may comprise a plurality of second openings 8
associated with a plurality of locking elements 6 so that the tray
2 can be locked in position in several angular configurations.
[0078] The locking device 1 then operates as follows: during
rotation of the tray 2, or more particularly of the rotating
element 4, along the arrow F, the first 5 and second 8 openings are
facing each other. Insertion of the locking element 6 through the
first 5 and second 8 openings then locks the tray 2 in position by
preventing rotation of the rotating element 4 about the rotation
axis X.
[0079] The locking element 6 is preferably rigid, and in particular
is sufficiently rigid so that the rotation of the rotating element
4 can be prevented regardless of the force applied on the tray 2,
particularly in the case of a crash.
[0080] The fixed element 7 may be fixed to the seat 3 of a vehicle
in various ways, provided that it is fixed relative to the seat
3.
[0081] The rotating element 4 may be fixed to the tray 2 in various
ways, provided that it is fixed relative to the tray 2.
[0082] When the locking element 6 is released from the first 5 and
second 8 openings, free rotation of the tray 2 is then possible,
particularly to move it into the horizontal usage position.
[0083] The locking element 6 may be in various forms. In
particular, its length along the rotation axis X may be
variable.
[0084] FIGS. 5A to 5C also show three steps for operation of a
device 1 according to the invention for locking a tray 2 in
position. The locking element 6 can be seen in these figures.
[0085] In FIG. 5A, the tray 2 is in a position other than the
raised position, in other words the position corresponding to a
usage configuration. Thus, the first opening 5 of the rotating
element 4 is not located facing the second opening 8 of the fixed
element 7.
[0086] During rotation of the rotating element 4, in other words
during rotation of the tray 2 along the direction of the arrow F as
shown in FIG. 5A, the first opening 5 is positioned facing the
second opening 8 of the fixed element 7, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0087] It should be noted that the locking element 6 may be
installed free to slide relative to the fixed element 7. It may be
permanently engaged, at least partially, in the second opening 8 of
the fixed element 7 and may move at the time of locking, or it may
be located outside the second opening 8 of the fixed element 7 and
engage into this second opening 8 at the time of locking.
[0088] When the first opening 5 of the rotating element 4 is facing
the second opening 8 of the fixed element 7 as shown in FIG. 5B, it
is possible to prevent rotation of the rotating element 4 and
therefore the tray 2.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 5C, the locking element 6 is then
completely engaged inside the first 5 and second 8 openings, either
by manual action by the passenger or automatically.
[0090] In particular, auto-engagement of the locking element 6
through the first 5 and second 8 openings may be achieved by one of
the auto-engagement means 9a, 9b of the locking device 1, for
example such as an elastic return device system 9a, for example a
spring, or also a magnetised system 9b, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C and
9A-9C respectively, provided between the rotation axis X and the
locking element 6. In this way, locking can be done automatically
as soon as the first 5 and second 8 openings are aligned.
[0091] The trapezoidal shape of the locking element 6 that is
actually a truncated cone when seen in a sectional view, is useful
because it facilitates insertion of the cylinder connected to the
tray into a cylindrical hole. Since adjustments between the two
rotating cylinders are imperfect, a purely cylindrical rigid
element would require perfect alignment of the two cylinders in
rotation.
[0092] However, possible vibrations in the seat tend to push the
locking element 6 (see arrow F2 in FIG. 5D), which is incompatible
with its function. Aeronautical standards impose that the tray
should remain locked in the raised position, even during emergency
landings.
[0093] With reference to FIG. 5D, this solution can be improved by
providing an element forming a notch 6A in the locking element 6
placed so that when in the locking position, it is facing the
rotating element 4 that then penetrates into the element forming a
notch. The force generated by any vibrations is no longer directed
along the direction of removal of the locking element 6, but
perpendicular to it, because the rotating element 4 strikes the
bottom of the element forming the notch 6A (see FIG. 14 and the
arrow F3).
[0094] FIGS. 6A and 6B show another variant embodiment of the
locking device 1 according to the invention.
[0095] In this example, the locking element 6 is approximately
shaped like the arc of a circle when seen in section in a plane
perpendicular to the rotation axis X. For example, the locking
element 6 may be made of metal.
[0096] It is thus in the form of a <<bean>>, that fits
through the first 5 and second 8 openings, after a rotation
movement about a rotation axis 6B offset from the rotation axis X
of the rotating element 4 and the locking element 6, along the
arrow F1 in FIG. 6A, so that rotation of the rotating element 4 and
therefore the tray 2 can be prevented, as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0097] The shape of the locking element 6 can help to optimise its
function. In particular, a concave arc of a circle shape is less
likely to be released in the case of a sudden movement, for example
during a crash, or when the rotating element 4 vibrates.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 6C, the locking device 1 may also
comprise an element forming a notch 6A, associated with the use of
the locking element 6, to increase the locking strength of the tray
2 in the raised position. The rotating element 4 of the tray 2 is
then inserted into the element forming the notch 6A when the tray
is in its raised out-of-use position. In particular, in order to
lock the tray 2, the passenger can raise the tray 2 beyond its
raised position to insert it into the element forming the notch and
activate the locking element 6 manually to lock the tray 2 in
position, or not activate it manually if the locking element 6 has
an automatic locking mechanism. Similarly, the passenger can raise
the tray 2 to release the tray 2 from the element forming the notch
and activate the locking element 6 manually, or not if the
mechanism is automatic.
[0099] FIGS. 7A and 7B also show another variant embodiment of the
locking device 1 according to the invention.
[0100] FIG. 7A shows a release configuration of the locking device
1 in which free rotation is possible between the rotating element 4
and the fixed element 7, while FIG. 7B shows a locking
configuration of the locking device 1 in which the rotating element
4 cannot rotate relative to the fixed element 7.
[0101] In this variant, unlike the example embodiment in FIGS. 5A
to 5C, the locking device 1 comprises two locking elements 6 that
can engage into two first openings 5 in the rotating element 4 and
two second openings 8 in the fixed element 7, respectively. It is
thus possible to prevent rotation of the rotating element 4
relative to the fixed element 7 for different angular
configurations, particularly for different positions of the tray
2.
[0102] FIGS. 8A to 8C also show three steps in the embodiment of
another example of the locking device 1 according to the
invention.
[0103] In this example, the locking device 1 comprises
auto-engagement means composed of an elastic return device system
9a, and more precisely a spring 9a.
[0104] In FIG. 8A, the spring 9a is compressed in contact with the
lateral surface of the rotating element 4.
[0105] As can be seen in FIG. 8B, rotation of the rotating element
4 along the arrow F relative to the fixed element 7 can bring the
first opening 5 in line with the locking element 6 supported on the
spring 9a.
[0106] Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, relaxation of the spring 9a
inserts the locking element 6 in the first opening 5 of the
rotating element 4, therefore locking the tray 2 in position.
[0107] Furthermore, a gripping device 11 is provided at the
opposite end of the spring 9a, the assembly composed of the
gripping device 11, the spring 9a and the locking element 6 being
fixed such that the passenger can pull on the gripping device 11 to
release the device 1, by disengaging the locking element 6 from the
first opening 5.
[0108] FIGS. 9A to 9C also show three steps in use of another
example of the locking device 1 according to the invention.
[0109] In this example, the locking device 1 comprises
auto-engagement means formed by a magnetised system 9b, and more
precisely by a magnetised system 9b comprising a first magnet
housed in the first opening 5 of the rotating element 4 and a
second magnet formed by the locking element 6.
[0110] In FIG. 9A, the magnetised locking element 6 is set back
from the lateral surface of the rotating element 4.
[0111] Then, as can be seen in FIG. 9B, rotation of the rotating
element 4 relative to the fixed element 7 along the direction of
arrow F moves the first opening 5 containing the first magnet of
the magnetised system 9b in line with the magnetised locking
element 6.
[0112] Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, attraction of the magnetised
locking element 6 towards the first magnet housed in the first
opening 5 of the rotating element 4 enables the locking element 6
to be inserted into the first opening 5 of the rotating element 4,
and therefore locking of the tray 2 in position.
[0113] Furthermore, as for the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A
to 8C, a gripping device 11 is provided at the opposite end of the
locking element 6 such that the passenger can pull the gripping
device 11 to release the device 1, by disengaging the locking
element 6 from the first opening 5.
[0114] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an example locking
device 1 according to the invention, fixed on a tray 2 of a
passenger seat 3.
[0115] As can be seen, the locking device 1 may for example be
provided outside the tray 2, particularly on only one side of the
tray 2. As a variant, the locking device 1 might be located inside
the tray 2, or two locking devices 1 might be provided with one on
each side of the tray 2.
[0116] The locking device 1 thus comprises a rotating element 4
fixed to the tray 2, such that the tray 2 and the rotating element
4 are rotated about the rotation axis X.
[0117] Furthermore, the fixed element 7 of the locking device 1 is
fixed to the passenger seat 3, and is inserted at least partially
with the rotating element 4. In particular, the fixed element 7 is
located outside the rotating element 4.
[0118] The fixed element 7 also comprises, a second opening 8 on
its lateral surface, through which the locking element 6 can slide.
Similarly, the rotating element 4 comprises a first opening 5, and
when the first 5 and second 8 openings are brought in line by
rotating the tray 2 about the X axis, the locking element 6 can be
inserted through the two openings 5 and 8 to lock the tray 2 in
position.
[0119] As disclosed above, a gripping device 11 may also be
provided at one end of the locking element 6 so that the locking
device 1 can be unlocked.
[0120] FIG. 11 also shows a perspective view of an example seat 3
for a vehicle according to the invention.
[0121] The seat 3 comprises a seat structure 12 and a folding tray
2.
[0122] The tray 2 is fixed to the seat structure 12 through two
latching rings 13 located on each side of the tray 2.
[0123] According to the invention, at least one of the latching
rings 13 may comprise a locking device 1 according to the
invention. In this case, the passenger can lock the tray 2 in the
raised position by using the locking device 1, in particular by
actuation of a device 11 for gripping the locking device 1.
[0124] FIGS. 12A to 12D also show sectional views of four steps in
the use of another example embodiment of the locking device 1
according to the invention.
[0125] In this example, the first locking structure 5 of the
rotating element 4 is in the form of a locking latch 5. The locking
element 6 also comprises a locking notch 14 into which the locking
latch 5 can be engaged.
[0126] The difference between the configurations in FIGS. 12A and
12B is that the rotating element 4 has rotated about the rotation
axis X such that the locking latch 5 is brought approximately in
line with the locking element 6, the locking latch 5 facing the
locking notch 14.
[0127] Thus, as shown in FIG. 12C, the locking element 6 is
actuated along the direction of the arrow F2 to bring the locking
element 6 into contact with the lateral surface of the rotating
element 4 and to bring the locking notch 14 in line with the
locking latch 5.
[0128] Then, as shown in FIG. 12D, rotation of the rotating element
4 along the direction of the arrow F can finish insertion of the
locking latch 5 into the locking notch 14 of the locking element 6
to hold the tray 2 in the locked position.
[0129] FIG. 13 also shows a sectional view and a front view of
another example embodiment of a locking device 1 according to the
invention.
[0130] In this example, the rotation axis X is a controlled torque
rotation axis. In particular, it comprises an elastic return
device, particularly a torsion spring 15.
[0131] The presence of such a torsion spring 15 can make it
possible to more accurately adjust the dynamics of the tray 2 as it
opens, and to provide the passenger with a more pleasant feeling
that the locking device 1 mechanism has good control over the
movement.
[0132] Controlled torque of the rotation axis X can prevent the
tray 2 from suddenly and quickly dropping, when it is vertical (in
the raised out-of-use position) but no longer locked by the locking
device 1, while the torsion spring 15 enables easy disengagement of
the tray 2 once the locking element 6 is disengaged from the
locking structure 5.
[0133] Thus, when the tray 2 is released, the torsion spring 15 is
released and pushes the tray 2 into the horizontal usage position.
The controlled torque rotation axis X prevents movement of the tray
2 from being too sudden; a controlled friction torque resists the
initial thrust of the torsion spring 15, and then the weight of the
tray 2.
[0134] The principle of a plunger pin and/or hinge can be used to
make the locking system composed of the locking element 6 and at
least the first locking structure 5 of the rotating element 4 in
which the locking element 6 can engage. The plunger pin is a
cylinder coupled to a spring that can be depressed by pressure from
the spring, and released by the user pulling on it and retensioning
the spring at the same time. The plunger pin thus enables an
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, with a rigid locking element 6
coupled to a spring 9a, and a gripping device 11 for the user that
can be formed directly by the rigid locking element 6.
[0135] The hinge can advantageously replace the rotation axis X
firstly by adding torque control that prevents sudden dropping of
the tray 2 once released from the rigid locking element 6. Constant
friction enables smooth dropping of the tray 2 and better comfort
of use for the passenger. A torsion spring can be added to this
controlled torque hinge, making it easier to open the tray 2; as
soon as the rigid locking element 6 (for example the plunger pin)
is raised, the tray 2 is opened by an angle of 10.degree. or more,
preventing the tray 2 from being locked by the plunger pin when the
plunger pin is released. This torsion spring thus makes it possible
to open the tray 2 with a single hand, and provides better comfort
for the passenger. This embodiment should be compared with that
disclosed with reference to FIG. 13.
[0136] The fact that the locking element 6 is installed free to
move in the fixed element 7 means that it can only be reached by a
user when it is in a fixed position chosen such that inadvertent
access to the locking element 6 is not possible.
[0137] With the system shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tray may be
actuated accidentally or inadvertently due to an inappropriate
movement of a user, for example during evacuation from the vehicle,
because the system is installed in or on the tray 3, in at least
two inclination portions of the tray.
[0138] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the example
embodiments that have just been disclosed. Those skilled in the art
can make various modifications to it.
[0139] The expression <<comprising a>> should be
understood as being synonymous with <<comprising at least
one>>, unless specified otherwise.
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